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A Tour of Olana, Frederic E. Church's Historic Home

While I am away on vacation, please enjoy this revisit to the historic Olana.

I am very pleased to accept the Frederic E. Church Award from The Olana Partnership at their annual gala event this Wednesday, January 18th, held at the fabulous New York Public Library in Manhattan. Olana is the historic home and studio of the Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church, who designed its 250 acres as artfully as he did his landscape paintings. If you have not had an opportunity to visit this beautiful property with unparalleled Hudson Valley views, please enjoy this photo tour of the home and artist-designed landscape - and plan to visit when you are in the Hudson area!

Church, a famous artist and world traveler and early conservationist, expressed himself in the creation of his masterwork, Olana. The Olana Partnership is tireless in their efforts to preserve and restore this State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark, as well as to protect Olana’s historic viewshed. We all benefit from their vision and their efforts. If you wish to contribute to the work of The Olana Partnership, or buy tickets to the gala, please call Julie Spero at 212-245-6570 or email olana@eventassociatesinc.com.

1 Church bought the property in 1860, then later purchased additional acreage in 1867. Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

2 The additional 18 acres included a hilltop with amazing views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. This view from the house is reminiscent of his landscapes paintings. Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

3 Church had his work featured in annual exhibitions alongside of artists like Thomas Cole and Asher Brown Durand. They founded the art movement known as the Hudson River School. Photo: Linda McLean

4 Church commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to build a small house, which he dubbed 'Cosy Cottage'. He and his wife, Isabel, lived there with their two children, who tragically died of diphtheria. Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

5 A view of the orchard from Cosy Cottage. Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

6 They had four more children and in 1870, Church began construction on the mansion that stands today.

7 The architectural style was inspired by the family's travels to Europe and the Middle East.

8 Much of the design elements are persian inspired, as seen here in a summer view from the Bell Tower.

9 At the front entrance, there is an Arabic message, which translates to 'Welcome.' Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

10 The window in the Court Hall stairway features cut paper sandwiched between amber glass and clear glass to create the look of a screen. Photo: Andy Wainwright

11 Church filled the home with objects from cultures and civilizations from all over the world. Photo: Andy Wainwright

14 The dining room also acts as a gallery, where Church's personal collection of Old Master paintings is displayed. Photo: Andy Wainwright

15 On display is the family's summer place setting. Photo: Andy Wainwright

16 This room was Isabel Church's sitting room, a place to entertain guests. Photo: Andy Wainwright

17 The sitting room also features this beautiful fireplace. Photo: Andy Wainwright

18 Some of the paintings in Mrs. Church's sitting room Photo: Andy Wainwright

19 The Church's Master bedroom – Church also designed some of the furniture in the home. Photo: Melanie Hasbrook

20 Church painted the interior and many of the details, like the stenciling on the doors to the library corridor. Photo: Andy Wainwright

21 On this side table lies Church's original paint box and crock of brushes. Photo: Andy Wainwright

22 This building is now known as the Wagon House Education Center. Classes, workshops, lectures, special events, children's summer programs, performances, and exhibitions all take place in this amazing state-of-the-art space.

23 Another building on the property has been repurposed a museum shop for the historical site.

24 At the gala event, guests will have an opportunity to bid on a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the newly renovated American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Chairman Morrison Heckscher.

25 This is Morrison Hecksher, Lawrence A. Fleischman Chairman of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who is also being honored at the event.

26 This beautiful Niagra Falls painting, by the famed Hudson River School-inspired artist Stephen Hannock, will also be auctioned off to raise funds for the Olana Partnership.

27 Also up for bid - a two-week stay at Wakatipu House on New Zealand's South Island!

28 The gala will be held at The Celeste Bartos Forum in the New York Public Library.